A screenshot from Ne Zha 2. [Photo/WeChat account: duchenghz]

Ne Zha 2 has become the highest-grossing film in a single market in global box office history as of Feb 7, with its stunning visual effects widely praised.

Hangzhou-based studios played a crucial role in this success. Guton Animation Studio, which is located in Xihu district's ArtInno Town and a subsidiary of Hangzhou L-Key Animation, handled storyboard design, while Hangzhou Lux Populi VFX, Guton's neighbor and a subsidiary Zhejiang Huaguoshan Funtek, contributed to the film's special effects.

Guton spent two months designing 4 minutes of critical battle sequences, transforming scripts into detailed storyboards. Hangzhou Lux Populi VFX, having previously worked on Ne Zha's first installment, dedicated over a year to refining the film's visual details, including intricate lighting and large-scale battle scenes.

Hangzhou's creative industry continues to shape China's animation landscape, with local studios contributing to major productions like The Wandering Earth 2 and upcoming titles Su Dongpo and Painted Skin. As Ne Zha soars on screen, Hangzhou remains a powerhouse for China's booming animation sector.

Guton Animation Studio. [Photo by Hua Ye/tidenews.com.cn]

A designer at Zhejiang Huaguoshan Funtek works on a project. [Photo by Hua Ye/tidenews.com.cn]

Zhejiang Huaguoshan Funtek welcomes employees and visitors with its cultural products. [Photo by Hua Ye/tidenews.com.cn]